Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a delightful treat that perfectly balances health and flavor. Ideal for snacking, serving as a side dish, or elevating your meal prep, these fries are both simple to make and satisfying. With their crispy exterior and soft interior, they offer a unique twist on traditional fries, making them a must-try for any sweet potato lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: These fries are baked rather than fried, making them lower in calories without sacrificing taste.
• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this recipe in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Seasoning: The recipe allows for customization with spices or herbs based on your preference.
• Kid-Friendly: These fries are a hit with kids and adults alike, providing a nutritious option that everyone will enjoy.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store them for quick snacks or sides throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and efficient, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and helps achieve that desired crispiness by providing ample surface area.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to easily toss the sweet potato fries with oil and seasonings without creating a mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting the sweet potatoes uniformly, which leads to even cooking.

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Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Fries

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled (optional) and cut into fries)

For Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Extra Crispiness

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes if desired. Cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Aim for uniformity in size to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Soak the Fries

Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is key to achieving crispy fries.

Step 4: Season the Fries

After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with paper towels to remove moisture. In a large mixing bowl, toss the fries with:
1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
2. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
3. 1 teaspoon paprika
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. ½ teaspoon black pepper

If using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and mix everything together until well-coated.

Step 5: Bake the Fries

Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Check for Crispiness

Once they are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance their texture further.

Enjoy your homemade Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries as a tasty side dish or snack!

How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a side dish, snack, or part of a meal, these fries pair well with many flavors.

As a Snack

• Serve with hummus for a creamy dip that complements the fries’ sweetness.
• Pair with guacamole to add a rich, savory flavor that balances the sweetness.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer ketchup for a classic pairing that never goes out of style.
• Try ranch dressing for a tangy kick that enhances the fries’ taste.

In a Salad

• Toss them into a mixed greens salad to add crunch and sweetness.
• Incorporate into a grain bowl with quinoa or rice, topped with your favorite veggies.

As a Side Dish

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or beef tacos to add texture and flavor.
• Pair with veggie burgers for an exciting twist on your meal.

How to Perfect Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Achieving the perfect crispy fries requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Soak the Fries: Soaking sweet potatoes in cold water removes excess starch, which helps them become crispier when baked.
• Use Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch before baking creates an extra layer of crunch on the fries.
• Preheat Your Baking Sheet: Heating the baking sheet before adding the fries promotes better browning and crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensuring there’s enough space between each fry allows hot air to circulate and cook them evenly.
• Flip Halfway Through: Turning the fries halfway during baking ensures both sides become golden brown and crispy.
• Let Them Cool: Allowing the fries to rest after baking helps them firm up even more before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries make an excellent addition to any meal. Here is a list of delicious side dishes that complement their flavor perfectly.

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken is a lean protein option that pairs beautifully with sweet potato fries.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and health benefits to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies brings texture and nutrition alongside your fries.
4. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos offer a hearty vegetarian option that goes well with sweet potatoes.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans create a flavorful combination when served together.
6. Veggie Burgers: Plant-based burgers provide a satisfying meal when accompanied by crispy sweet potato fries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries even better. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking the sweet potato fries can lead to less crispy results. Soak them for 30 minutes to remove excess starch for optimal crispiness.

• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many fries on the baking sheet can cause steaming instead of baking. Ensure they are spread in a single layer with space between each fry.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and the baking sheet for best results.

• Ignoring the Flip: Forgetting to flip the fries halfway through baking can lead to uneven browning. Make sure to turn them over for even crispiness.

• Skipping Cornstarch: Omitting cornstarch means missing out on extra crunch. Lightly coating your fries with cornstarch enhances their crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

• Freeze on a baking sheet for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

• Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, but this may make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries that might help you perfect your dish.

How do I make my sweet potato fries crispier?

To achieve crispier fries, soak them in cold water before cooking, use cornstarch, and ensure proper spacing on the baking sheet during roasting.

Can I use other seasonings for my sweet potato fries?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper, garlic salt, or even herbs like rosemary and thyme for added flavor.

What type of sweet potatoes are best for making fries?

Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes. Both orange-fleshed and purple-fleshed varieties work well, but orange ones tend to be sweeter.

Can I bake sweet potato fries without oil?

Yes, but they may not be as crispy. If avoiding oil, consider using an air fryer or adding spices that enhance flavor without fat.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are not only a healthier alternative but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various seasonings or serve them alongside dips like guacamole or salsa. Try this recipe today and enjoy deliciously crispy fries!